an attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can usually use it when you are talking about an effort to do something, usually with the intention of achieving a particular result. For example, "We made an attempt to break the world record, but unfortunately we were unsuccessful".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's just an attempt.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One is an attempt to study dreaming.

The Economist

NOPI was an attempt at both.

The New Yorker

Is it an attempt to minimize risk?

The New York Times

It was an attempt at self-hypnosis.

The New York Times

Cameron made an attempt at this.

Independent

This was an attempt at irony.

The New York Times - Arts

"There is an attempt to discredit them.

The New York Times - Sports

Just an attempt to understand.

The Guardian - Sport

It's an attempt at rehabilitation.

The New York Times - Arts

At least an attempt to perfectionism is.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an attempt" to clearly indicate an effort made towards a specific goal, even if the outcome is uncertain. It's suitable for describing actions in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "attempt" without specifying what is being attempted. Always provide enough context to make the purpose of the effort clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an attempt" is as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to describe an action taken to achieve a specific goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an attempt" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an effort made towards achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "an effort" or "an endeavor" exist, "an attempt" offers a neutral tone suitable for various situations. When using "an attempt", ensure clarity by specifying what is being attempted. Its frequency and versatility make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an effort

Replaces "attempt" with "effort", a direct synonym. Retains the same meaning and grammatical function.

an endeavor

Substitutes "attempt" with "endeavor", suggesting a more serious or prolonged effort.

a try

Uses the more informal term "try" instead of "attempt", suitable for less formal contexts.

an undertaking

Replaces "attempt" with "undertaking", implying a project or task that is being attempted.

a venture

Substitutes "attempt" with "venture", suggesting a risky or uncertain effort.

an exercise

Replaces "attempt" with "exercise", implying a practice or activity done for a specific purpose.

a shot

Uses "shot" in place of "attempt", suggesting a single opportunity or try.

a stab

Replaces "attempt" with "stab", implying a quick or imprecise effort.

an approach

Substitutes "attempt" with "approach", focusing on the method or strategy used.

a move

Replaces "attempt" with "move", suggesting a strategic action or step.

FAQs

How can I use "an attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "an attempt" to describe an effort made to achieve something, such as "This is "an attempt to fix" the problem" or "He made "an attempt at reconciliation"".

What are some alternatives to "an attempt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an effort", "an endeavor", or "a try".

Is it correct to say "a attempt" instead of "an attempt"?

No, it is incorrect. You should use "an attempt" because "attempt" starts with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an attempt" and "an effort"?

"An attempt" generally refers to a specific instance of trying, while "an effort" can refer to a sustained or general exertion of energy. They are often interchangeable, but "an effort" might imply more sustained action.